To Uncover and Reveal to the World Gallery Tour

Join us at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for a free, guided tour of our new exhibition This curator-led tour highlights objects from the famous bibliophile's original collection.

Before the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, there was the library of Arturo “Arthur” Schomburg: race man, bookworm, and scholar of the African diaspora. From his youth in Puerto Rico to his leading role in the Harlem Renaissance, Schomburg sought to “uncover and reveal to the world” knowledge about Black culture. He built a collection that spanned five centuries and more than a hundred languages. Like other Black bibliophiles who turned their parlors into libraries, Schomburg welcomed visitors to his home, where he encouraged them to settle in and “peep at the books.”

In 1926, The New York Public Library purchased Schomburg’s 4,600 books, pamphlets, art, and manuscripts and placed them at the 135th Street Branch Library, a hub of Harlem’s creative and intellectual life. His collection planted a seed that grew into the millions of items now held by the Center.

SUPPORTERS

Leadership support for the Schomburg Center's Centennial is provided by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and Andreas C. Dracopoulos.

Lead support for To Uncover and Reveal to the World and the Home to Harlem Initiative is provided by the Mellon Foundation.

Major support for centennial exhibitions is provided by the MetLife Foundation. Additional support is provided by Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Ford Foundation.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING TOURS

Select a date to register for an additional free, guided tour:

WED JUN 10 | 12 PM

WED JUN 24 | 11 AM

WED JUN 24 | 2 PM

WED JUL 1 | 12 PM

WED JUL 1 | 2 PM

WED JUL 8 | 12 PM

WED JUL 8 | 2 PM

PUBLIC NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

BAGS/COAT CHECK To ensure the safety of our exhibition items (art, artifacts, etc.) and provide a smooth experience for all evening guests, we kindly ask that visitors leave large bags—including book bags, backpacks, and shoulder bags—at home or in a secure location before arriving at the Schomburg Center. Our coat check has limited capacity and cannot accommodate oversized items. Any item that could pose a risk to the artwork/artifacts or other visitors may be prohibited at the discretion of our security team. Thank you for helping us protect the collection and maintain a safe environment for everyone.

GUESTS Please note that food or drinks are strictly prohibited the Schomburg Center's exhibition galleries and archival divisions.

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING Programs are photographed and recorded by the Schomburg Center. Attending this event indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any all purposes of the New York Public Library.

E-TRANSPORTATION NYPL policy prohibits electric transportation devices (e.g., motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards) from being brought into or stored at library sites for any length of time, as this is the best way to keep our spaces & people safe.

PRESS Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Leah Drayton at [email protected].

Please note that professional video recordings are prohibited without expressed consent.

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Host or Publisher Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture